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PRINCESS KIKU 



n Japanese Romance, n Play for aim 



BY 

M. F. HUTCHINSON 



Copyright, 1903, by Dick & Fitzgerald 



e^ 



NEW YORK 

DICK & FITZGERALD, Publishers 

18 Ann Street 



u> 



^"^^ .> 



THE LIBRARY OF 
CONGRtSS, 

Two Copies Receivtiii 

^ JUL 25 1903 

'^ Copyright tntty 

CLASS ^ XXc No, 

COPY 0. 



3 /^"t 



/ 



TMP96-0C6526 



PRINCESS KIKU 

A JAPANESE ROMANCE. 

CHARACTERS 

Princess Kiku Favorite niece of the Emperor 

O Mimosa San. . \ 

O YuKi San { Ladies-in-waiting 

O ToTMAi San. . . C 

O Haru San ) 

Sakara A learned Japanese lady devoted to ancient customs 

Ijq A little girl, dressed as a boy 

Lady* Cecil Cavendish An English girl travelling in Japan 

Miss Prendergast; Her companion 

Moonbeam Fairies. 

Location. — Tokio. 

Time.— The present. 

Time of Performance. — Two hours. 



SYNOPSIS 



Scene I. The Chrysanthemum Garden and Summer-House. 
Princess Kiku and her ladies-in-waiting. Intrusion of Lady 
Cecil. Story of the shipwrecked baby. 

Scene IL Same as before. Sakara bribes little Ito to bring 
misfortune on the Princess by a play-act, which the Princess be- 
lieves is reality. Mimosa's description of the Emperor's recep- 
tion. The working of Sakara's spell. 

Scene IIL Room in a Japanese hotel. Miss Prendargast's 
solicitude for Arthur, Cecil's brother. Mutual quizzing. 

Scene IV. Room in the house of Sakara. Sakara gives Ito 
further instruction. Mimosa's fruitless embassy. Sakara's 
curse. 



4 Princess Kiku 

Scene V. Room in Japanese house. Kiku's hallucination: 
"What I touch withers." Cecil and companion's interview with 
Kiku's ladies. Miss Prendergast's consternation. 

Scene VI. The Chrysanthemum Garden. Ito repents. Kiku 
supposed she had struck Ito blind. He confesses it was play- 
acting. The story of the shipwreck. The heiress is found. 



COSTUMES 



The principal garment worn by Japanese ladies is the kimono. 
This outer garment or coat is made of silk, generally of a quiet 
color ornamented with Japanese designs ; or, for general pur- 
poses, of figured calico, turkey red or orange cotton. The back 
has no seam and the front is open from top to bottom, sloping 
outward below the waist to show the underskirt ; the neck is 
trimmed V shaped, or faced and turned over to form a collar, 
bringing to view a colored kerchief folded across the breast ; the 
sleeves are loose and end in long, wide, rectangular-shaped bags, 
wide open from wrist down and lined. The underskirt, only visi- 
ble in front, is of a different color and richly ornamented with 
gilt and bright Japanese designs. 

To complete the costume, a long, wide sash is passed twice 
around the waist and gathered behind into an immense butterfly 
bow and ends. 

The hair is arranged in pompadour style, and the back hair 
brought high up on the top of the head and ornamented with 
large, showy pins and little fans. 

The eyebrows should be penciled black. Two fine black lines, 
one above the upper and one below the lower eyelash, continued 
outward, curved slightly upward and meeting just beyond the 
outer corner of each eye, give quite a Japanese style to the face. 

The little "Moonbeam Fairies" should be costumed in similar 
style as to their garments, but of white or different light-colored 
material, the sleeves shorter and the sash smaller than in the 
ladies' costumes, and white stockings drawn over their shoes. 

Sakara's costume should be of sombre hues, the face made up 
for a wrinkled old hag. 

Lady Cecil is in well-fitting English travelling costume. 

Miss Prendergast, the same, but in accordance with her sixty 
years. Hair, silver-white. 



Princess Kikii 



PROPERTIES 

Scene I. Flat square cushions, on which the girls kneel, sit- 
ting back on their heels in Japanese fashion ; loose chrysanthe- 
mums; stool in summer-house; girls carry fans in hands or 
girdles. 

Scene II. Grass or straw rope ; Eastern rugs ; loose chrysan- 
themums; guitar or samisen; cushions. 

Scene III. Sock, thimble, needle ; dead flower. 

Scene IV. Presents on tray ; books ; cushions. 

Scene V. Japanese umbrellas, flowers, vases; square low 
table; cushions. 

Scene VI. Flowers; tiny silk bag. 



NOTES ON SCENERY 

Scene I. Background and wings of dark curtains, with masses 
of real or imitation chrysanthemums. A summer-house raised 
on a small platform can be made with a Japanese umbrella and 
a screen, as in diagram. 




R 



The dotted lines mark the limits of the chrysanthemum beds. 
* Totmai. ' Yuki. ' Haru. * Summer House. 



Scene II. The same as Scene I. 

Scene III. Perfectly plain screens stretched round the stage. 



6 Princess Kiku 

One wooden table, rush-bottomed chair, portmanteau, coats, 
dressing-case, etc. 

Scene IV. Japanese screens, idols or figures, small cabinet, 
etc. Sword suspended from screen. 

Scene V. Screens, Japanese draperies, palms, etc., etc. 

Scene VI. Scene I., as before. 



Note. — The complete words and score of the musical comedy 
"San Toy," to the airs of which the songs in this entertainment 
adapt themselves, can be supplied by Dick & Fitzgerald, post- 
paid, on receipt of $2.00. 



STAGE DIRECTIONS 

R., right, as performer stands facing audience ; l., left, as per- 
former stands facing audience; c, centre; u. e., upper entrance, 
i.e., entrance nearest the back of stage; i e., first entrance, i.e., 
entrance nearest footlights; up stage, away from footlights; 
DOWN STAGE, tcward footlights. 



FOREWORD 



The Japanese are notably and effusively polite in their deport- 
ment. Japanese girls are especially kind-hearted and obliging. 
Their religion denies them immortality, and they believe that 
their paramount duty in life is to please. 

Their education imbues them with an intense love of flowers, 
bright colors and all that is beautiful ; it inculcates the extreme 
of social etiquette in every-day deportment ; it adds words of 
compliment in the commonest phrases of conversation, and, more- 
over, teaches them to rely on signs, omens and tutelary gods, both 
good and evil. 

In this "Romance" the quaint and sprightly style of Japanese 
expressions is carried out as faithfully as possible, and the per- 
formers must study carefully the endless obeisances and quaint 
dialogue which are indispensable to make it effective. 

The scenery, where available, may be elaborate, as in Japanese 
operas, but excellent effect may be obtained with a few Japanese 
plain and ornamental screens, Japanese umbrellas, fans and 
plenty of chrysanthemums, real or artificial, and of various colors. 



PRINCESS KIKU 

A JAPANESE ROMANCE. 

SCENE I.— The Chrysanthemum Garden. Summer-house on 
raised platform, up stage l. Entrances R. u. e. and l. i e. 
YuKi discovered seated on the step of the summer-house. 
ToTMAi and Haru both on one knee down stage, r. and l., 
among the Howers. They commence singing a little before 
the curtain is raised. 

SONG. 

Air: Chorus to "The Moon," "San Toy," Act I. 

In the land of Japan, 
Dainty maids wave a fan ; 
This way twirl, that way twist, 
With a grace none resist. 

All the day bright and gay. 
Dainty feet none may stay; 
This way slide, that way glide, 
Point and turn, spring aside. 

Swift to rise with the dawn, 
Flowers to bind all the morn; 
This one pluck, that one leave, 
Dainty care all receive. 

In the land of Japan 
Dainty maids wave a fan ; 
With a grace none resist, 
This way twirl, that way twist. 

[After song Totmai and Haru rise and begin picking 
flowers. 



8 Princess Kiku 

ToTMAi. How sweet honorable blossoms with beautiful dew 
upon them. The Princess promises rare flowers for the exalted 
festival this evening. 

YuKi. Which of us v,'ill accompany Her Gracious Highness? 

Haru. It is said that soon at the august Court all will wear 
ugly, clumsy dress of barbarian foreigners. 

YuKi and Totmai. You say so, O Haru? 

Haru. O grief-making ! I have honorable knowledge that 
this is so. What can be prettier than our dear kimonos and obi? 
Their strange dresses, thick, clumsy things on their feet? 

Totmai. How laughter-making is the great Englishman ! 

YuKi. Laughter-making? He seems strangely solemn. I ex- 
pect honorable barbarian does not like to be so big and clumsy, 
poor man I Ah (laughs), if your worthy eyes could have seen 
him at exalted tea-making! He (rises and comes down c, imi- 
tating gestures) took the cup in his big. big hand. Do you know, 
O Totmai and O Haru. I thought he would put it all in his 
mouth when he opened it. without uttering honorable courtesies, 
and drank it all down before His August Majesty had taken more 
than a sip! Then his face went just like this. (Grimaces.) 

ToTMAT (moves to c. Yuki moves r.). That is the way bar- 
barians laugh. What laughter he gave us in the garden here. 
You know, O Yuki. he has had leave from the all-powerful Son 
of Heaven to walk here. O Haru and I played ball, when we 
heard (imitates) stamp — stamp — stamp — and then we saw the 
barbarian Englishman come swinging along. Before we had 
time to move he nearly walked over us, going like this at a great, 
great pipe. (Walks l., imitating heavy tread of Englishman.) 
We laughed greatly. O Haru. did we not laugh? 

Haru (coming c). Then. O Yuki, he took strange covering 
from barbarian head, like this, and said, "O-I-say — I-beg-your 
pardon !" We laughed and laughed, running away ; then 
stranger still was barbarian speech : "By-Jove — jolly-little 
things !" Great was our honorable laughter. The barbarian 
Englishman never smile except when they are killing people. 
(Walks up stage and looks off r.) Yonder I see O Mimosa San. 

ENTER Mimosa r. u. e. All how. 

Mimosa. The august Princess gives honorable notice, O Yuki 
and humble Mimosa attend her to exalted festival. (Haru joins 
Totmai l.) O dear little ones (to Totmai and Haru), there 
will be other feasts. The Englishman, whom the all-powerful 
Son of Heaven condescends to love, lingers in beautiful Japan. 

Totmai (laughing). "By Jove— jolly-little-things!" O 



Pfincess Kiku 9 

laughter-making ! Come, O Hai u San, there are yet honorable 
chrysanthemums to gather. [EXEUNT l. i e. 

Mimosa (draiving Yuki to c). O Yuki, the exalted Princess 
is not smiling. She has dreamed strangely, and of serpents. She 
cannot forget cruel words spoken by the all-wise Sakara. In 
vain I tell Her Highness the gods sit on the brow of just — and 
they, the most powerful ones, protect the innocent ! 

Yuki. Truth, indeed — honorable truth — he who curses must 
look out for two graves. Trouble not for the venerated Princess. 
O dear one. we are as grave as foxes ; we shall have honorable 
laughter to-night ! 

Mimosa. O Yuki San. of honorable courtesy forgive. I can- 
not laugh. See, I have sewn yet other charms in my girdle. Last 
night I, too, was unfortunate and dreamed evil dreams. Great 
is my folly, I fear the curses of wise Sakara. 

Yuki. O Mimosa, go not forth to meet trouble. Yonder I see 
swift-flying butterfly, chase it with honorable laughter (turns and 
runs up stage. ) The Princess ! 



ENTER ToTMAi and Haru l. Princess ENTERS r. Girls 
bow to the ground. 

Mimosa (r.). August lady, do you walk for benefit of exalted 
health? 

Princess (taking flowers from Yuki, zvho is up stage c, 
then coming half ivay down stage to l. c). The hon- 
orable chrysanthemums are all gathered. The English- 
man, in his cold land, will not have seen such beautiful blossoms. 

fair and rare! I will rest here. (Totmai and Haru arrange 
cushions l. c.) Sit here, O maidens. I would tell fearful trou- 
ble-bringing dream. (Mimosa and Yuki sit r. of Princess, 
slightly up stage. Haru and Totmai l., dozun stage.) I dreamed 

1 walked in this stately garden, among honorable blossoms dear 
to the heart of Kiku, their namesake. Sad tears fell down my 
cheeks. I wiped them away with the sleeves of honorable kimono. 
The dearly beloved flowers drooped at my coming, the most 
glorious exalted Moon hid her light, the birds and the dragon- 
flies flew away, for evil Serpent followed me ! I awoke with a 
cry. What can it mean, O wise Yuki? 

Yuki (bozving) . O dear lady, be comforted. In evil times 
the hero appears ; a brave man would slay the serpent, as Yoris- 
sima slew the dragon. 

Princess. What is honorable thought, O Totmai, of small 
feet? 



iO Princess Kiku 

ToTMAi. Deign to believe no one can injure exalted Highness. 
Who throws stones at the Sun? 

Princess. I will forget, O kind ones, though I fear to find it 
as hard as trying to blov/ away fog with a fan. Dance for me. 
(YuKi and Totmai dance ivith fans, finishing dance r. c. Prin- 
cess watches, clapping hands.) O Yuki, O Totmai, cleverest 
geisha could not rival your excellence. 

Yuki (bowing). Exalted praise is too great for us. May we 
speak of august entertainment for powerful foreigner? 

Princess (laughing). How strange he is and big, his words 
so different to honorable Japanese. Sometimes I think I have 
heard those sounds before. There are, in truth, more barbarian 
foreigners than in old venerated days. My uncle, all-powerful 
Son of Heaven, smiles at their coming. All love them not, 
Sakara — Truly, O dear little Mimosa (bends over Mimosa, who 
has touched her sleeve), I will forget cruel words. Was it, think 
you, O maidens, when m.y soul wandered in another body I heard 
the strange speech of the foreigner? 

Mimosa. Truly, O most exalted, the world gathers at august 
Court. Condescend to remember this is honorable hour when 
the Son of Heaven impatiently awaits you. (EXEUNT all R., 
girls carrying flowers.) 

ENTER Lady Cecil Cavendish and Miss Prendergast, l. 

Lady C. This is too exciting for anything! (Walks about 
inquisitively.) I feel just like Alice in Wonderland. If any- 
body called out "Off with her head," I shouldn't be in the least 
astonished. Should you, G., dear? 

Miss P. (zuho has stayed near l. i e. zvhile Cecil has gone 
round stage and finished up and dozun c, nervously) . I have had 
so many shocks since I left the blessed security of home that 

Cecil. Don't talk of shocks. It makes me remember the 
earthquakes. I do hope they won't have one for us. I should 
not like all the dear little houses to go rocking about. One com- 
fort is, if you were buried under a Japanese house it wouldn't 
hurt. 

Miss P. Your levity, Cecil, is unbecoming. I certainly dread 
an earthquake, though it is not the worst evil I apprehend. I 
should hate to be tortured. 

Cecil (going toward summer-house). You dear old goose, 
they don't torture in Japan. You are thinking of China. I 
must just peep inside here. 

Miss P. (crossing to up stage, c). Do not, I beg of you, be 
so rash. (Sighs with relief as Cecil descends.) In the geog- 



Princess Kiku it 

raphy book from which it was my pleasure to instruct you when 
you were a child, China and Japan were treated under one chapter. 

Cecil. As to geography, I have forgotten all I ever learned. 
Sit down there. See, is this (goes to summer-house) a table or 
a stool? I will make myself comfortable on the ground (sits on 
ground hp summer-house, l. c). Let us discuss the situation. 
(Miss P. hesitates.) Do, G. Nobody can object to our sitting 
down. You see, the voyage is safely over and you were not 
drowned. 

Miss P. That is true, Cecil. (Sits gingerly on stool r. of 
Cecil.) I have not, as you say, been consigned to a watery 
grave. However, nothing will induce me to enter one of those 
terribly unsafe carriages again. Carriages, indeed ! Undigni- 
fied, overgrown perambulators! 

Cecil, I enjoyed it. My little man ran and raced and laughed. 
It really was most exciting. I thought he would upset and half 
kill several of those dear little people. They only laugh. 

Miss P. The vacant mind — the ready laugh. They are a 
small, insignificant race. 

Cecil (laughing). Think of Arthur, his height! And those 
great beetle-crushers ! 

Miss P. (tvith horror). My dear! 

Cecil. Would you have me say pedal extremities? 

Miss P. I should prefer greater dignity of language, 

Cecil (demurely). Consider, then, my dear brother's con- 
sternation, his delighted surprise, when he returns to the hotel 
to find US. 

Miss P. (sighing). You are singularly heedless, my dear 
Cecil. Your brother never took any notice of your letters or 
telegrams. From that I construe disapproval. You remember 
another familiar saying : Scratch a man and you find a Tartar, 
We have braved the dangers of the deep 

Cecil, G., dear, you know you enjoyed it. The flirtations 
you had with Professor Anstruther 

Miss P. Cecil, I am surprised, astounded ! Professor An- 
struther is a man with a peculiarly cultivated mind. I was glean- 
ing all the information I could on the fascinating subject of an- 
tiquities. You remember I often had cause to beg you to show 
less levity in your intercourse with Captain Waring. 

Cecil (rising). Dear G., I was accumulating information on 
military matters. (Miss P. rises.) There, forgive me I don't 
wonder at any one admiring your sweet, white curls. (Caresses.) 
We must not spend the whole day in the Princess's garden un- 
asked, though I should love to poke about these dear little ponds. 

Miss P. (emphatically). I only consented to leave the place 



J 2 Princess Kiku 

they dignify with the name of house in order to purchase some- 
where thick curtains. Do they imagine a cultivated English- 
woman will retire to rest surrounded by paper walls? I am ready, 
Cecil. 

Cecil (taking Miss P.'s arm). Just a moment. It is so peace- 
ful here. (They walk down r.) And you have really made me 
nervous about Arthur. Where do you think the mad boy can 
be? Why did that foolish old man leave him the money with 
the insane remark about a rightful heiress shipwrecked oflf the 
coast of Japan? Who could find a shipwrecked baby in Japan? 
And everything possible has been done. The lady's parents were 
drowned, and therefore, naturally, with so much water a baby 
couldn't escape. I wonder if Arthur has advertised in the 
papers? Do they have newspapers in Japan? Oh, yes, I know; 
you begin at the wrong end. Or does he travel about the coun- 
try cross-examining and fascinating the girls? 

Miss P. (indignantly shaking off C.'s hand and walking away). 
Cecil ! 

Cecil (following). Well, you know it's true. And you and 
I are equally foolish about him, and have travelled all this dis- 
tance, encountering hideous dangers. (Miss P. sighs.) All for 
the love of his bonny face. 

Miss P. (quickly). I came to chaperone you, my dear, 

Cecil (faces Miss P., shaking finger). G., G., speak the truth! 
You have a vivid, afifectionate memory of a fat little boy clad in a 
tight Holland overall, sitting on your knee eating buttered toast. 

Miss P. (indignantly). Really, Cecil, I never permit myself 
to think of his lordship in such indecorous fashion. I would not 
take such a liberty. 

Cecil (placing hands on Miss P.'s shoulders). Who keeps 
golden curls, even a tooth or two? Who gave him anything for 
a kiss — you'll do the same again, you naughty old thing ! 

Miss P. (turning away r.). I am at a loss to understand. 
May I ask if you mean to suggest — that — that 

Cecil. Exactly, dear, that. He will give you, when he sees 
you, a good hug, and remark, "I say, you old dear, you grow 
younger every day." Will you bet? 

Miss P. (with horror). Bet? When I relinquished the reins 
of government such a word was utterly unknown to you. I am 
shocked, grieved. 

Cecil (demurely). Only a pair of gloves, dear. 

Miss P. This familiarity with odious habits offends me. I 
hope his lordship does not favor such vulgar practices. 

Cecil. I don't mind asserting one thing, and that is, he is 
bound to bet you something— and that you'll take it, there! Well, 



Princess Kiku J 3 

we must not stay here forever. (Moving c. and leaving Miss P. 
R.) Come, G., dear, I pine for a run in a rickshaw. Mine shall 
race yours. 

Miss P. I will not submit to be dragged in such unseemly 
fashion. (EXIT Cecil l.) I prefer to trust to my own — pow- 
ers of — locomotion. Cecil! Cecil! (Quick curtain as Miss P. 
runs across the stage. ) 

CURTAIN. 

SCENE II. — The Chrysanthemum Garden, as before. 

ENTER Sakara l., with Ito. 

Sakara. Hear, O little Ito, the wise woman sees excellen- 
cies I (Child bows.) At house of honorable mother, Sakara 
heard clever proverbs, saw play-acting. I love wise little boys, 
therefore would give happiness, O Ito! (Child bows.) This is 
the chrysanthemum garden of august Princess ; here are beautiful 
blossoms for the flower-viewing. Say, little Ito, would you have 
worthy coins to spend? (Child bows three times.) Sit here, 
recite true proverbs. (Sits l. c, Ito c.) 

Ito (quickly). Many words, little sense. For woman to rule 
is as for a hen to crow in the morning ! 

Sakara. Stay, Ito. Would you, O Avise little man, have new 
playing cards? A toy that water will work? I saw excellent 
one of a man beating rice husks. Would have it for your own? 
(Ito shakes head, bowing.) Some shrill-voiced grasshoppers in 
bamboo cages? 

Ito (bozuing). August lady is too kind to little Ito. 

Sakara. What shall it be, then? Think in your mind. Act 
the doctor for me, O wise little Ito, then you shall say. 

Ito (bowing). Allow most unworthy to feel honorable pulse 
of august patient. (Takes hand, bowing.) There is fever! 
Allow highly ignorant to gaze on venerated tongue. (Examines, 
kneeling.) Honorable medicine must be prepared, if august one 
will condescend to take. 

Sakara. Truly, O wise little Ito, it is good play-acting. 
Would play new honorable game for me? Tell me what heart 
desires. 

Ito. Thanks for honorable kindness. Books are my desire. 

Sakara. Books? That is wise, O little Ito. Honorable 
books shall be procured. New play-acting done, money shall 
obtain them. Listen, O little Ito. There are thorns on every 
rose-tree. Even Sakara has heart-tormenting troubles ; little 
wise Ito may help. Would have me for friend? (Ito bows.) 
In the morning I will wait for Ito at the gate yonder, but I shall 



14 Princess Kiku 

not accompany wise, clever play-actor. A lady in scarlet kimono 
will walk here, and augustly speak, calling to Ito. So, after 
honorable courtesies, he will draw near, when she touches him, 
for this lady loves treasure-flowers. Ito will play-act thus : (Sa- 
hara, stands c, clasps hands tragically.) O Amairu, mercy, 
mercy! I see not. I am blind— blind ! (Staggers, clasps hands 
over eyes.) Is it difficult play-acting, O Ito? See, I touch 
now. When you have called play-acting words, run as if you 
followed swift-flying kite. Show me, O wise little Ito. 

Ito {imitating carefully). O Amairu, mercy, mercy! I am 
blind — blind! {Moving r., then coming hack.) Will honorable 
lady like new play-acting? 

Sakara. Greatly, O clever little Ito. Books, honorable 
books, shall be many if quick-flying feet carry you away and you 
do not stay to hear honorable praise, but run quickly to me; if 
feet run after thee speed the quicker. Ito, the flying- footed, 
sounds well. 

Ito {doubtfully). It is new play-acting. 

Sakara. Truly, one cannot always play-act doctoring or fune- 
rals. Show me again, O little Ito. 

Ito {imitating as before). O Amairu, mercy! I am blind — 
blind! {Runs l., then returns.) 

Sakara {caressingly). Good, wise little Ito, 'tis excellent 
play-acting. Make it not common for all children; keep it for 
me and thee. I shall speak warm words to excellent father. A 
good son makes a happy father. All good is for those Sakara 
loves, O pleasure-giving little man ! Honorable mother waits. 
Take honorable leave-taking. The sentries {child bows three 
times) will allow you to pass ; you came with me, O wise little 
Ito Sayonara! (Ito EXITS l.) The night is warm, the gar- 
den fair and peaceful. {Goes up stage c, and looks off r.) The 
entertainment for hated foreigner passes; here I tarry. The 
Princess may walk here, if honorable light-giving moon shines. 
I would alarm her again, or in deep darkness steal her charm- 
bag. What could then protect? {Ascends summer-house steps, 
peers in.) Sakara, the wise woman, wisest in all Japan, will 
fight for and protect ancient excellencies of the kingdom. . I 
plan to make the most exalted Emperor, Son of Heaven, lose his 
love for Princess Kiku, child of honorable Prince Yamen. 

Can she, foolish one, be truly of sacred royal blood? Could 
a princess of Japan love hated foreigners? {Clenches hand.) 
Barbarian devils! It pleases her to have them at august Court, 
and old men growing too old obey the children. The ministers 
of State laugh at fears of Sakara {raises both arms), who fights 
for Japan. 



Princess Kiku J 5 

What will the august Emperor say to hear that the 
touch of his favorite makes a child, a little boy, blind? {Crosses 
to L.) Truly they will send the police through the city, but the 
wise womarf is cleverer than they. I hate her! My spells 
must work, shall work, if I steal her charm-bag. Here I wait 
and hide. {Looks round stage, mounts steps, descends^ goes 
towards L.) They will walk under honorable gaze of the moon. 
{Starts, listening to song in the distance, "In the Land," then 
prostrates herself, calling:) O Shinto, all-powerful! O Benten, 
all-merciful — Nichoren, Amairu, aid me! They come! {Hides 
among flowers l.) 

ENTER YuKi and Mimosa r. 

YuKi {coming down l. c). O Mimosa San, the light of hon- 
orable moon falls upon the garden, sentries watch at the gates, 
and exalted Princess thinks if she rests here in summer-house 
honorable sleep will dwell upon her eyelids. She dreads the 
hour of the Ox, and fearful darkness in the Palace. Here among 
fragrant flov/ers will be venerated peace. 

Mimosa (c). The samisen must sing her to land of health- 
giving sleep. O Yuki, we can watch that no evil comes. O 
Totmai and O Haru can rest in the Palace. See, they come. 

ENTER Totmai and Haru l., running. All bow. 

Totmai. O Mimosa San, how pretty and sweet you look ! Did 
you enjoy much honorable pleasure? 

Haru. How slow to speak! {Moves up stage.) 

Totmai. Was Morita there? Looked he for Totmai? What 
was honorable meal ? Did any wear very rich kimonos ? 

Mimosa {laughing). Many are questions, O Totmai! (Yuki 
and Haru talk aside, up stage, l. c.) Honorable Morita was 
there. I had no excellent speech with him. 

Totmai. O vexing little one, make us laugh quick, about the 
barbarian Englishman ! 

[All sit in centre of stage clustering round Mimosa, who 
is in c. with Haru on the r. and Yuki and Totmai 
on her l. 

Haru. Tell us, O Mimosa San, and you, O Yuki, of the do- 
ings of this strange man. 

Totmai. What were the garments of the foreigner, and, 
O Mimosa {laughing), what was his speech? Did he say jolly 
little things? 



16 Princess Kiku 

Haru (imitating as before). O — I — say 

ToTMAi. Did he like honorable food? 

YuKi. When he was talking to the exalted Princess he looked 
much like a huge black crow speaking to a beautiful heron. 

Mimosa (laughing). His coat was black. 

ToTMAi and Haru. Black ! 

Mimosa. There was a white piece in front. Honorable tailor 
had had little stuff. It was strangely short in front and long be- 
hind. Over the white he wore one pretty thing, a band of blue 
ribbon with something jewelled and shining. Long stockings 
came up to his knees. 

ToTMAi. Black for a festival ! 

Mimosa and Yuki. Black as a crow. 

Mimosa. O Yuki, how hard to keep honorable laughter from 
our faces ! 

Yuki. Truly, O Mimosa, when we saw him with the excellent 
flower! (Laugh.) 

Totmai. Tell us, O Yuki San. We would laugh, too. 

Haru. With honorable kindness, tell us quick. 

Yuki. The august Princess took excellent chrysanthemum 
standing alone in large vase 

Mimosa. O Yuki, speak first of the bow ! (Laughs behind 
fan. ) 

Yuki. O Mimosa, how laughter-making! See, O Totmai and 
O Haru. (Imitates the bow of an Englishman. ) 

Totmai and Haru. To venerated Princess? 

Yuki. Just like this. (Bows again, others eopy.) Like a 
policeman when he has roped his prisoner and said, "After you." 
Then the exalted lady gave him with gracious courtesy a great 
white chrysanthemum. What do honorable minds think he did 
with it? 

Totmai. Ate it ! 

Haru. Let excellent flower fall ! 

Yuki (shakes head, laughing). O Mimosa, how can they ever 
guess? 

Mimosa. He took excellent blossom like this, pulled at his 
strange black coat (imitates) ; in it there must have been a hole, 
for after he had bowed again 

All (imitating). The bow of a barbarian Englishman 

Mimosa. He put it in his coat! (Laughs.) 

Totmai. In his coat? Was it large honorable flower? 

Yuki. Excellently large, just like this. (Touches flower.) 

Totmai (eagerly). Oh, tell us more, tell us more! 

Mimosa. We sat on foreign chairs. All honorable guests 
showed exalted courtesy. The Englishman looked O so big, 



Princess Kiku 17 

and once or twice I know he wished he was eating their dreadful 
raw beef ! 

ToTMAi. Oh, that I had been there! O Yuki, did the geisha 
dance new dance? 

Mimosa, The flower dance was pretty; she had no fan, just 
a spray of cherry blossoms. Show them, O Yuki, clever dancer. 

Yuki. It is late. O Totmai and O Haru, know not august 
wish of beloved, venerated Princess to sleep in the summer-house? 

ToTMAi and Haru. Sleep in the summer-house? 

Mimosa. She dreads fearful dreams. O Yuki and I sleep 
at her feet. O Yuki will of honorable kindness show beautiful 
dance, then O Totmai of little quick feet will with excellent 
kindness run quickly to fetch bed-coverings with Haru. The 
Princess would not have foolish, eager talk at the Palace. 

Totmai. O Haru and I fly like the birds ! I should fear night- 
devils sleeping in the summer-house. 

[Yuki dances c. Mimosa and Haru withdrawing r. and 
Totmai l. during dance. After dance Yuki hows, 
others applaud, saying: "Honorable thanks." 

Totmai. Great is excellent kindness. 

Mimosa. Will you run swiftly, O little Totmai? 

Totmai (taking Haru's hand). We fly! [EXEUNT r. 

Mimosa. O Yuki, have you ever sought honorable sleep in a 
garden before? See, we will bind this rope of rice straw round 
the summer-house. (Goes up steps.) Then the all-powerful, 
gracious Shinto will keep away night-devils. 

Yuki (r. c). I feel no fear, O Mimosa. 

Mimosa (descending steps). Honorable moon will condescend 
to shine. We shall dream excellent dreams. 

ENTER Totmai and Haru r. 

Totmai and Haru. We have been truly as swift as birds. 
Shall we spread the beds here in the summer-house? (Ascends 
steps. ) 

Mimosa. The Princess ! 

ENTER Princess r. 

Princess. You have made all ready for me, O kind maidens? 
(All bow.) I dare not dream as I did last night. To dream 
of serpents — what misfortune — trouble-bringing ! 

Totmai (bowing). It is said, O august lady, inquire seven 



J 8 Pfincess Kiko 

times before you believe a report. Once to dream, deign to be- 
lieve, is nothing. 

YuKi. Shall I bid samisen speak, O Princess? 

[Princess nods consent and sits on steps. Totmai and 
Haru up stage c. Mimosa l., Yuki r. c. 

YUKI. 

Air: "Chinee Soje Man," last sixteen measures, "San Toy," 
Act 11. 

Rising swiftly great god of Night 

Called loudly to ling'ring Day, 
My rule begins, I come, I come, 

Tossing deep shadows grim and gray. 

Calling loudly, great god of Night, 

Bringeth strong winds from caverns deep, 

Ruleth sternly all Sea and Sky, 

Setteth bright stars their watch to keep. 

Watching, watching, great god of Night 

Leaveth his seal on ev'ry eye, 
Closeth flowers with finger strong, 

Lest they may see him passing by. 

Hearken, hearken, great god of Night, 

Calleth deep to the silver Moon, 
Setteth her track in sombre sky. 

Climbs she stately, nor shines too soon. 

Princess. Honorable thanks. Sweet is the song. You shall 
sing it to the great Englishman, O tuneful Yuki ; it will remind 
him of the birds in his own land. I like to hear him speak. I 
think excellent sleep comes to me now. See, I go to rest. (EN- 
TERS summer-house. Totmai and Haru EXIT r.) 

Mimosa. Rest, well beloved, exalted lady! Excellent charms 
are safe? 

Princess. In my girdle and my sleeve. Surely, the all-pow- 
erful ones will protect Kiku when she journeys into the land of 
Sleep? 

Mimosa. Deign to fear nothing — no evil will come. O Yuki 
San and Mimosa sleep at worshipful feet when we have bound 
this rope of rice straw round the summer-house. Sleep, O dear 
lady. 

\_Soft music, stage darkens. Sakara creeps forward to c. 



Pfincess Kiku J 9 

Sakara. They sleep — have I not heard enough? (Looks 
round at summer-house.) Have I not heard bitter truths? She 
thinks and speaks of the evil barbarian — it is she who persuades 
august Son of Heaven to set aside honorable customs of exalted 
land. They sit on foreign chairs. Oh, evil be to them ! Can I 
steal her charms? A sudden call when soul journeys in land 
of Sleep, we know it means danger. Shall I call loudly here? 
O foolish Sakara, sentries have ears, though they cannot see in 
the dark ! With clever craft I will steal her charm-bag. She is 
then at my mercy. (Laughs.) The mercy of Sakara! (Goes 
to summer-house and creeps back.) Dare I cut venerated rope 
of rice straw? Will all-powerful Shinto forgive? With excel- 
lent care I will creep under. (Creeps up steps.) 

Princess. O fear-bringing — I dream — I dream! The terrible 
creeping Serpent. [Sakara drops down. 

Mimosa. It is nothing, O dear Princess. Seek honorable 
sleep again. The gods protect ! [Sakara creeps back l. 

Sakara. Shall I hide among beautiful blossoms and wait for 
fear-giving hour of the Ox? Nay, honorable Moon rises yon- 
der — away, Sakara, wait for the morning — no eyes must see thee 
now or then. [EXIT l. 

[Moonlight, Moonbeam Fairies appear. They sing and 
dance between each verse. 

Air: "Samee Gamee," "San Toy," Act L 

Glimm'ring moonbeams through azure sky, 
Drifting earthwards from worlds on high; 
Bringing sweet dreams to tired eyes, 
Changing to smiles all weary sighs ! 

Glimm'ring moonbeams from azure sky, 
Drifting earthwards where mortals lie; 
Swaying bright wands of silver hue^ 
Strength'ning sad hearts to efforts new. 

Glimm'ring moonbeams in early dawn, 
Fading swiftly with light of morn ; 
Leaving earth's sons till night again 
Hushes to rest all toil and pain ! 

[Fairies disappear, daylight deepens. 

Note. — Here may be introduced the "March of the Chinese 
Lanterns," a very effective series of evolutions. Illustrated de- 
scription of the march can be furnished by the Publishers, Dick 
& Fitzgerald, i8 Ann Street, ISfew York, on receipt of 15 cents. 



20 Princess Kifcu 

ENTER ToTMAi and Haru r. ENTER Ito l. and stays among 

Uowers. 

ToTMAi {ascending steps). Have the gods sent excellent sleep, 
O most gracious lady? 

Princess (slowly descends). In truth, at first it seemed to 
me the fearful serpent came near, and then I was in fairy land. 
Such sweet, excellent dream! My heart is bright and gay this 
morning. I see yonder a little child. Whose can he be that 
sentries permit to pass? Do you know, O Mimosa San? 

Mimosa. He smells at beautiful flowers. 

Princess (coming down c, the others behind her). Little 
treasure-flower! I will give blossom or two — bring him hither, 
O Totmai. O Haru, he will like gay colors. Here, O little 
man. shall I give excellent flowers? (Ito hows three times.) 
Come, take them, giving worthy name. (Ito advances, bowing; 
as the Princess touches him he starts and cries: "O Amairu, 
mercy! mercy! I am blind! blind!" Repeats twice, then rushes 
L. All remain motionless ivith fear.) 

Princess {Hinging up arms and turning and staggering up 
stage). The curse — the awful curse has fallen ! My touch brings 
evil — oh, horrible evil to a little child ! Nay, none shall come 
near me, I command. Let me die alone. [EXIT r. 

YuKi. O Totmai and O Haru. run speedily to the Palace ; bid 
them question the sentries, we will then to the shrines to pray. 
O Mimosa, weep not so bitterly. 

[EXEUNT Totmai and Haru r. 

Mimosa. Trouble has crossed the threshold — the gods permit 
the evil spells of Sakara. She, the wise woman, is jealous ; she 
belongs to the Imperial house, and thinks exalted thoughts of the 
noble Society for the Preservation of Ancient Excellencies. There 
was anger in her heart when she heard of the festival for the Eng- 
lishman. Listen, O Yuki ! Let us take presents in our hands 
and with humble courtesies visit Sakara. 

Yuki. Visit her ! As well walk into the fire with a bundle of 
bamboos. All will soon be well. The Englishman will sail 
away, and we 

Mimosa. O Yuki, we shall see the Princess lying dead, with 
her kimono's sleeve flung across her face, like the helpless broken 
wing of a fallen bird. 

Yuki. Nay, O Mimosa, if you visit Sakara she will say, be- 
fore argument, proof; but if she hates the august Princess you 
may as well try to bale the ocean with your hand as change her. 
Leave all honorably alone, lest worse come. Poke a canebrake 
and a snake will slip forth. Come, come to the Palace. 

[EXIT R. 



Princess Kiku '2 J 

Mimosa. Yuki thinks the exalted Princess will happily forget. 
I know that her heart is breaking ; when our hearts break we 
laughter-loving die. I remember well the fear-bringing words 
of Sakara. Those who speak and laugh with barbarian devils 
bring curses on themselves and those they love. Have a care, 
O Kiku, lest you droop like one of the noble chrysanthemums 
they named you from. To her honorable dwelling I will go with 
pleasant, courteous words, and presents in my hand. There is no 
standing without stooping. She will hear if I speak humbly. To 
the shrines of the great all-powerful ones I will creep, and they, 
the merciful, the strong, will hear the humble prayers of Mimosa. 
(Starts to go off l. as curtain falls.) 

CURTAIN. 



SCENE III. — Interior of a room in a Japanese hotel. Table c, 
ivith faded white chrysanthemum on it. Chair up stage, c. 
Open portmanteau, l. Coats, etc., r. i e. 



ENTER Miss Prendergast. 

Miss P. I am afraid all these expeditions will be too much 
for the young people. I intend looking over my dear boy's ward- 
robe — I mean his lordship's wardrobe. (Crosses l.) Maitland 
is an excellent servant, but I feel anxious about socks. Dear, 
dear! how untidy this portmanteau looks! (Kneels down by 
one.) Ah, this is a sock; there is a hole. (Produces thimble, 
etc., draws chair to l. of table.) No wonder he has a cold. Dear 
me ! I would not allow any one to know it for the world, but the 
memory of a dear little boy is kept warm in my heart. (Hands 
rest in lap.) What dear, coaxing ways he had — how I loved the 
touch of his arms ! Well, they say the heart of a woman at 
sixty-nine is the same as that of a young girl. Not (works 
briskly)that I am sixty. Far, far from it! I feel quite positive 
that Cecil believes I made this journey, consented to it. merely 
for her sake, and I am glad she should believe I faced deadly 
perils in order to chaperone her. 

Dear me (hands drop, spectacles fall), it is just two years ago 
since that terrible time in London when I found that all my money 
was gone — lost in the failure of that wicked gold-mining com- 
pany. I think with shudders of my vulgar landlady and the day 



22 Princess Kiku 

when I had barely a shilling left. My mid-day repast was a mor- 
sel of bread, a little tea. I was wondering hopelessly — God for- 
give me! — what to do, where to go. Then, the sudden clamor 
in the house, the loud voices (rises), Arthur, his lordship, burst 
into my room. He was excited. He caught hold of me and 
hugged me tight, and said, "You wicked old woman, G — " 
(they have always called me G — since the time Cecil was so 
naughty over that letter in the pictorial alphabet. G. stands for 
Grannie, and also for goose.) He said, "Go upstairs and put on 
your cap or your hat and come away with me. Maitland can 
pack your fal-lals. Cecil is waiting, so you must hurry." I am 
afraid — well, yes, I certainly cried a little. (Wipes eyes with 
socks). Then he pushed me out of the room, and I heard him 
talking to the landlady in a very loud voice ; she was trembling 
afterward. I was so upset that, after all, I carried my bonnet 
downstairs and he put it on with his own dear hands, and hugged 
me again. We drove ofif at once to their London house, and 
what a happy home they have made it ! 

They will not hear of my leaving them, though things are not 
so bad as I feared. Some of my money was saved, so that I am 
not entirely dependent on my dear boy's bounty. Then I knit all 
his socks, the best silk, and he assures me that I save him 
pounds; he had always paid i8s. a pair in Regent Street. In- 
iquitous robbery ! 

I do not think I should really mind if I had not a farthing, for 
the little one I loved has grown into such a real nobleman. 
(Wipes eyes with socks.) 

ENTER Cecil r. 

Cecil. Sentimentalizing over Arthur's socks? 

Miss P. (starting and jumping up). I deplore these abrupt 
entrances — a — (agitatedly.) Is Arthur, is his lordship there? 

Cecil. His lordship is tearing along in a rickshaw, but her 
ladyship (curtsies), finding the heat oppressive, has returned to 
the hotel and the society of her beloved G. 

Miss P. (sinking back). Really, Cecil 

Cecil (coming behind chair). My language was sufficiently 
correct to please even you. What are you doing in this untidy 
boy's room? I suppose, like me, he has nowhere to keep his 
things, only a chair and a table obligingly supplied by the Police 
Station. (Coming r. of table.) Now, what is he doing with 
a dead chrysanthemum? Look at the stalk of it. Did you give 
it to him, G., dear? (Miss P. examines through glasses.) If 
you are engaged in a general tidying-up, I think this might be 



Princess Kiku 23 

thrown away. {Drops Hower in front of table. Miss P. picks 
it up.) 

Miss P. I was merely doing some — Why, dear me, I have 
no silk in my needle! (Holds up sock.) 

Cecil (coming in front of table and laughingly snatching sock). 
Just as I said, sentimentalizing over Arthur's socks, the dear boy! 
(Miss P. recovers sock, continues working.) You see, he did 
not receive us with vials of wrath. I like the Princess Kiku, 
don't you? 

Miss P. She has pretty, caressing manners, but their inces- 
sant bows and elaborate politeness try me. 

Cecil. I should have thought you would have revelled in it. 
However, here we are, but Arthur is no nearer finding the ship- 
wrecked baby. Why can't the foolish boy enjoy the money? 
He now intends to lay the whole thing before the Emperor, and 
he'll send a — what do you call it — an edict or something through 
the land, and all the lost infants will assemble here. Won't it 
be fun? Why, though, G. dear, how stupid of me! She won't 
be a baby now. She will be as old as I am, twenty-three. 

Miss P. (precisely). An exact definition of age is unneces- 
sary in a woman ; it is sufficient for you to assert that you are of 
age, or that you have reached years of discretion — a little more 
reserve is advisable. 

Cecil. With you, G. ? Why, you came to us when Arthur 
was only four, and he is five years older than I am, that 

Miss P. (hastily). Cecil, my dear, I have dropped my needle. 

Cecil. It is sticking aggressively in that sock. I am jealous. 
Arthur has his man, and I have no maid ; you don't trouble about 
my wardrobe. 

Miss P. A woman should be at home with her needle. Ar — 
his lordship cannot darn socks, and though Maitland is as handy 
as all old soldiers, I could not trust him with silk ones. 

Cecil. Nobody knits me anything, I — am only a girl. 
(Turns l.) G., dear, I smell (Miss P. starts) — I smell a whiff 
of real English tobacco; his lordship, having wearied of running 
coolies off their legs, has returned. You will be caught — G., 
dear, you will be caught — you will be caught! (Miss P. hurries 
across stage, dropping sock, etc.) 

[EXIT L. Cecil laughs, and turns to follow as curtain 
falls. 

CURTAIN. 



24 Princess Kiku 

SCENE IV.— ^ room in the house of Sakara, who is seated c. 
by a table, which is covered zvith Japanese books, etc., a box 
in front of her, two or three small tables {really low, square 
stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof c, 
R. I E. and L. I E, The room is made with plain screens. Ito 
stands R., down stage. 

Sakara. See, little Ito, there are books for excellent play- 
acting. (Ito bows.) Are they not joy to eager eyes? See, here 
are coins, honorable coins. Place safely in girdle, O little Ito ! 
(Child bows again before taking money.) No words, O grave 
and wise? 

Ito. The police with ropes in pockets go from dwelling to 
dwelling asking for blind boys. 

Sakara (scornfully). Afraid of the police? See, here is 
sacred charm; place also in girdle, O little Ito. (Child exam- 
ines and bows.) Fear nothing, the gods protect. (Draws 
child beside her.) I see there are words in thy throat. 

Ito. Honorable lady in the garden was beautiful as a flower. 
(Looks up.) Why did she not love excellent play-acting, and I 
the best play-actor among children in many honorable dwellings? 

Sakara, Who said, O little Ito, venerated lady did not like? 

Ito. The police. I fear not till lanterns are lit, and night- 
devils and evil spirits walk. I called out in honorable sleep ; the 
kind mother heard. (Places book under arm.) If police put 
a rope round me I will say it was play-acting of Sakara, the wise 
lady. 

Sakara. Truly, the dog bites the hand that caresses it ! 

Ito. Honorable meaning I do not understand. Play-acting 
of doctor or funeral exalted lady would have liked. 

Sakara. Fear not, O little Ito ; all good comes to the friends 
of Sakara! Keep close mouth (child starts) lest . . . Here 
hangs honorable sword, fear nothing, O little Ito (child draws 
nearer), the words on excellent blade, "There's naught 'twixt 
heaven and earth a man need fear who carries this single blade !" 
Soon, O little Ito, manhood will come, strong, powerful man- 
hood, and Sakara will fasten this sword herself to girdle of wise 
Ito. 

Ito. August lady is most honorably kind to little Ito; those 
in prison may not wear worthy swords ! Will excellent charm 
keep away night-devils? 

Sakara. None can come. Have no fear, O Ito, and remem- 
ber the words of Sakara — the mouth is the door of mischief. 
Keep close lips; excellent happiness will then come. Take hon- 
orable leave-taking, O wise Ito. I hear footsteps. 



Princess Kiku 25 

Ito (bowing deeply, taking Sakara's hand to his forehead). I 
thank thee, O most exalted and wise, for books and money. Hon- 
ored words my foolish mind will keep, but I fear greatly night- 
devils. [EXIT L. 

Sahara. It is the foot of O Mimosa San ! 



ENTER Mimosa r., carrying presents. Bows in doorway. 

Mimosa. O most exalted Sakara, I come with honorable pres- 
ents in humble hands. Deign to accept. O most powerful. Tell 
me of noble health since last I worshipped thy eyebrow. (Sa- 
kara sits motionless. Mimosa bowing.) I regret humble and 
unworthy feet should soil venerated chamber, and that one so 
poor, so foolishly weak, should cross excellent threshold ! 
(Stands motionless.) 

Mimosa (hesitates, then bows, speaking louder). I come, 
O great and wise, after exalted custom of noble land with pres- 
ents in humble hands, pleasant words on foolish tongue. 

Sakara (bows once). It has been said, O Mimosa San. that 
the mouth is the door of mischief. I have deep thoughts. I re- 
turn honorable greeting. Deign to sit. 

Mimosa (bowing). Condescend to accept humble offering to 
great wisdom ! 

Sakara. Wisdom — you love the folly of the Palace! He 
who touches vermilion becomes red. It is only the gravely 
thoughtful who pray the aid of Sakara. 

Mimosa. Am I, then, a wolf in sheep's clothing, that you re- 
ceive honorable greeting and poor unworthy presents with little 
excellent courtesy? I will leave offerings at exalted feet, and 
take away the burden of letting venerated eyes rest upon Mimosa ! 
(Aside.) O Shinto, grant wisdom; to show eagerness is loss! 

Sakara. Nay. O Mimosa San, rest on humble floor ; they 
shall lay honorable tea before you. What can the ignorance of 
Sakara do? Forgive seeming discourtesy. (Bows.) I twanged 
my bow on the box here, talking to spirits of the most exalted 
dead (Mimosa shrinks) as to the evil coming to beautiful, be- 
loved Japan. 

Mimosa. Will there be trembling of the catfish? Will hon- 
orable dwellings fall? 

Sakara (scornfully). Earthquake? or swift-moving fire? The 
humble servants of the great ones. That is nothing. 

Mimosa (rising). My excellent brother travels to the Shrine 
of Ise — could he bring thee charms? and let honorable prayers 
avert evil days? 



26 Princess Kiku 

Sakara (rising). O Mimosa San, there is no escape from the 
nets of Heaven. 

Mimosa (tremblingly moves toward r.)- Honorable leave-tak- 
ing! Will most gracious favor chrysanthemum-viewing at the 
Palace with exalted presence? 

Sakara. My feet turn not again to the Palace; the absent 
get farther off every day! . . . Honorable minds (scornfully) 
will soon forget Sakara, who will sit (seats herself c, draws bow 
along box) and commune with the spirits who protect Japan — ex- 
alted, powerful gods ! 

Mimosa (advancing). I came with honorable presents in my 
hand 

Sakara. Hai — you would give honey to eat ! 

Mimosa (drawing nearer, though avoiding box). Nay, the 
small fox may borrow strength and wisdom from the powerful 
tiger. I came to sit humbly at thy feet 

Sakara (twanging bow, laughs). Would foolish fox enter 
the tiger's den? (Mimosa shrinks.) After the swallowing, 
scalding is forgotten. (Turns to Mimosa, who struggles to 
appear brave.) What think you, O Mimosa San, of poor, un- 
worthy dwelling of the wise woman? Ignorantly speaking of 
bringing charms to one who makes charms — charms of long life, 
happiness, love, lasting beauty ! 

Mimosa. I rob you, O Sakara, of honorable time. I 

Sakara (beckons Mimosa c). Stay, O Mimosa, foolish Mi- 
mosa. You came to learn wisdom sitting at the foot of Sakara. 
Condescend to remain. O Mimosa San, if you would be wise, 
honorably exalted, all good shall come from the doing of one 
little thing 

Mimosa. Deign to name the very little thing, O most honora- 
ble? 

Sakara. A very little thing! Condescend to sit, O Mimosa. 
First with honorable kindness answer, have your eyes seen excel- 
lent venerated lotus-flower in the mud? 

Mimosa (with astonishment). Never, O Sakara; the sacred 
flower? 

Sakara (speaking impressively). Do my bidding and you 
shall never be trampled like a dead, forgotten flower. Neither 
shall you grow old, and love will never leave you ! Death by 
drowning, or long, pain-giving illness shall not be yours. At a 
venerated age you shall fall asleep in the embracing arms of 
the gods. I know, O Mimosa San, that the most worshipful 
Toko has fastened the sprig of lime to thy father's door and 
woos thee ; the gods, the all-powerful, shall smile upon him also. 
(Rises slowly.) The terrible destroying earthquake, the swift- 



Pfincess Kiku 27 

moving fire shall never touch you! Your joys shall last like the 
pine trees. You shall remain beautiful as the cherry blossom 
and as spotless. (Stands with folded arms looking at Mimosa.) 

Mimosa. What can I all unworthy do to gain exalted hap- 
piness ? 

Sakara (walking forward, keeping face from Mimosa). It 
is a very little thing, O Mimosa. You have come with courteous 
words to Sakara. Thy heart is not all folly, for the magnet can 
attract iron, but not stone. Do as I bid, beloved Japan shall 
venerate thee. Be honorable friend of wise, powerful Sakara, 
and you shall be protected by exalted gods, and the name of 
O Mimosa San shall live when all else perishes. (Crosses r.) 

Mimosa (follows, bowing). Tell me, venerated will. Great 
is the good you promise, O powerful Sakara, when I do thy bid- 
ding. (Kneels.) Hear one humble little prayer. 

Sakara (turning, seizes Mimosa's hands). Bring for one 
little day the charm of life from the Princess Kiku's girdle. 

Mimosa. I to bring the charm of life from august Princess's 
girdle? 

Sakara (drops Mimosa's hand, speaking quietly). Deign to 
see it is a very little thing. 

Mimosa. Verily, you hide the sword with a smile. What 
would you with venerated charm? Nay (Sakara prepares to 
speak), nay, purse lips now, for you have spoken loud. (Low- 
ering voice.) Hold the powerful charm, and exalted lady's life 
is yours. 

Sakara (placidly). Fallen blossom does not return to the 
twig. All powerful Son of Heaven will forget her foolish fan- 
cies, and in beloved Japan all will excellently remain as it did 
in the days of honorable fathers — and — Mimosa 

Mimosa (kneeling). Condescend to kill me, and spare her! 

Sakara. Never ! 

Mimosa. Then the gods will shield, O most wicked! (Sa- 
kara listens with amazement.) Mimosa will walk barefoot to 
every shrine. She will not do your bidding. (Sakara folds 
arms.) Nay, I fear not. Prophets know nothing of themselves. 
Is there no one who would work you evil? no god whom you 
have angered? 

Sakara (raising hand). Peace, O most foolish. I am Sakara 
the wise. In my own house evil words? (Stands over Mi- 
mosa.) Would the evil curse light on you, too? Thy mistress 
sent thee with tears and humble prayers. (Contemptuously.) 
As well cut a stick after the fight. Listen, O Mimosa ! I, Sa- 
kara, speak these words. The curse of her fathers, the fathers 
of Japan, rests upon her. Those she loves (Mimosa throws out 



28 Princess Kiku 

arms) shall wither, those she touches shall fail — when she wishes 
good evil shall come ! I, Sakara 

Mimosa (passionately). She shall not hear evil words. I 
shall not repeat, 

Sakara (contemptuously). Hearken, O very foolish little 
one — while you speak here her eyes read the words — the curse I 
have spoken. (Mimosa cries out.) The all-powerful spirits 
commanded their willing servant Sakara to honorably write. 
Fear-giving words were written, carried by excellently swift mes- 
senger ! Thou, (pointing), thou shalt see her fade and die — 
thou, thyself. 

Mimosa. See, I hold between me and thee my girdle of 
charms. I fear thee not. The gods will judge. 

Sakara (scornfully). Judge for theef 

Mimosa. I will not buy happiness at the cost of another's. 
Nay (Sakara steps toward her) thou shalt not touch me or my 
charms ! I am Mimosa, the swift-footed. (Springs back to door 
R.) Remember, O most wise, wicked one (stands with out- 
stretched hand), he who curses must look out for two graves! 

CURTAIN. 



SCENE V. — A room made with screens in a Japanese house, 
opening, if possible, on to a veranda, up stage c. l. i e. and 
R. I E. Plenty of cushions, rugs and little low stools about 
the room. Yuki (down l.), Totmai (r. of entrance to 
veranda), Haru (l. of entrance to veranda), recline lazily. 

Totmai. O Haru, a bird flew past the window — a visitor 
comes ; let us adorn our hair. 

Yuki. Is not the word of the Princess known? None may 
enter the gate. Watchful sentries would not even allow honora- 
ble dog to pass ! 

Totmai (sinking back on cushions). Truly, O Yuki, I had 
forgotten. O Haru, deign with honorable kindness to tell excel- 
lent tale? (Haru shakes head.) I would like one with a great, 
powerful and noble Prince who sends away trouble with swift 
sword ! There, O Yuki, rapid one fiew past again. Excellent 
message of its honorable flight I have never known to fail ! (Sits 
upright.) Then, O most wise Yuki, in honorable cup of tea 
there was a tea leaf that stood upright. O Haru, come! (Haru 
sits before Totmai, who arranges pins.) 

Yuki. I had foolishly forgotten. Here come the Princess and 



Princess Kiku 29 

Mimosa San. Smile gaily, O Totmai and O Haru. Exalted 
lady is sad enough, (All bow.) 

ENTER Princess r.. Mimosa following. 

Princess. O poor maidens, has terrible evil come to you yet? 
You would come with me, foolish yet excellently loving hearts. 
Your honorable hands, brightly seeing eyes, excellent hearing, is 
all well? (Comes c. and looks eagerly from one to another.) 

ToTMAi (coming dozvn R. c. with flowers in her hand). O 
most august Princess. 

Princess. Totmai, you forget. I will not be called Princess 
any longer. I am Kiku, the chrysanthemum, a fading flower ! 

ToTMAi. O beloved lady, in sweet, health-giving country air 
all will be excellently well. We can dance, sing, honorably eat. 

Princess. Who can tell when the terrible curse falls? 

ToTMAi (bowing). All-powerful gods are good. From one 
excellently sweet as thou art no evil comes, O most worthily 
loved. 

Princess. My august uncle would know, O Mimosa, how 
long I tarry here with you for refreshment of sweet-smelling air 
full of the scent of fragrant flowers. Do you think the fair chrys- 
anthemums at the Palace will fade without our loving care? O 
trouble-bringing — I forgot — they wither at my touch ! 

Mimosa (taking Hoivers from Totmai). Deign to hold hon- 
orable blossoms in venerated hands 

Princess (moving away up stage on l.). Nay, I would not 
have dear ones die. 

Mimosa (crossing, Totmai follows Princess). Condescend to 
listen to humble Mimosa — take them, O dear lady — deign to see 

1 lay them against you. 

Princess (hesitatingly). They, the beautiful ones, die not 
now, but watch in an hour, before dark night comes — they will be 
dead! 

Mimosa (cheerfully). We will set honorable blooms in water 
(Haru and Yuki arrange in vases on stool at l.), we will watch; 
deign to believe they will not fade. The people in the village 
hold happy festival. They pray humbly for august presence. 

Princess. O Mimosa — / go among them? I? (Moving down 
r.) I hear again the cry, the terrible cry of the little child! "O 
Amairu, mercy — mercy — I see not, I am blind — blind !" 

Totmai (coming up to her r. c). O Princess, my honorable 
father often excellently said : "Live under your own hat. Do 
well. Deign not to think what worthy neighbors say !" 

Yuki (l. ). O Princess, the bird that flies upward does not 



30 Princess Kiku 

ruffle water. The gods are good and merciful, excellent charms 
are safe. O lady, forget! 

Mimosa (c). Condescend to return to the Palace. 

Princess. Are these wise words, O Yuki, ''Return to the Pal- 
ace?" O Mimosa, heart would break if my touch brought evil 
to the august Son of Heaven. I will not weep. O kind ones, 
I will write words to my exalted uncle. Would that you returned 
to the gay Palace. 

All {bowing). With you, O most excellently loved! 

[Princess EXITS r.. Mimosa follows. 

YuKL If I had my way the whole trouble-bringing story 
should be laid before the august Emperor and truth threshed 
forth. 

ToTMAL How, O Yuki? 

YuKL The police, if I were Emperor, should bind Sakara! 

Haru {by curtain c). The bird again! 

ToTMAi {back to first place). It must speak honorable truth; 
let us adorn our hair better. Sit here, O Haru. I will arrange 
beautiful fans. 

Yuki {crosses to veranda). Friends come not in the wilder- 
ness. The great white mountain, sacred though it be, I weary 
of it ! Much would I give to hear the sound of feet on honorable 
path. {Steps onto veranda.) 

ToTMAL Do excellent eyes see honorable visitors, O Yuki? 

Yuki. From the threshold I see only great lofty head of Fuzi 
— from the village there are sounds of music. O Totmai and 
O Haru {takes Japanese umbrella), let us forth to the spreading 
garden to hear honorable laughter. There is no need to be 
gloomy and sad, for the sun shines — and the gods hear prayers! 
Come! [EXEUNT all by veranda. 



ENTER Lady Cecil l., followed by Miss Prendergast. 



Miss P. {gasping). Cecil, how can you be so lamentably, fool- 
ishly rash? People have been thrown into prison for bribing 
sentries. You walk in here as if you were the Mikado-ess of 
Japan ! I knew that we should not escape without some grievous 
trouble. Come away! {Pulls Cecil, who looks around inquisi- 
tively.) Come away before they see us and it is too late! 

Cecil. Dear G., don't you like exploring expeditions? No? I 
remember, you prefer excavations. Didn't Professor Anstruther 
discourse eternally on the excavation of antiquities? Think what 
a lovely day we have had! I contemplate taking my dear little 



Princess Kiku 3t 

rickshaw man and his carriage back to London to be the sensation 
when we go home. 

Miss P. (sighing). To England? We shall never see our 
native land again — and you promised that we should be at home 
in time for the Sales ! 

Cecil. So I did, but you wouldn't like to leave poor Arthur 
lamenting alone, searching for the lost heiress? The Princess 
has left the Palace. She would have interested the Emperor for 
him. I must know if the villagers speak the truth and she is 
here. G., don't you think things assume a darkly tragic air? 

Miss P. Dark and tragic, indeed ! It is exactly what I have 
predicted! Ar — his lordship has offended, I feel sure he has 
offended innocently, and those horrid little policemen, looking as 
if they had come out of a pantomime or a box of toys, will take 
him off to prison. Then (tearfully) if will be your turn, through 
your headstrong folly. Cecil, I implore you not to look out from 
there — and I — in my old — ahem ! — in the prime of life, will have 
to accompany you ! 

Cecil (at veranda). G., dear, do come and look at this de- 
licious view ! 

Miss P. (remaining l.). I shall not stir from this spot! 

Cecil (running up to her). Nothing will happen, so don't 
draw gloomy pictures about Arthur. Fancy, roped by these po- 
licemen, would one come for him, or two, or six? They are so 
painfully polite; one could not hurt their feelings by refusing. 
Think what pictures for Punch, what headlines for newspapers. 
(Puts an arm around Miss P.) Wouldn't you like to be in his- 
tory? 

Miss P. (emphatically). Certainly not, my dear! All gun- 
powder, conspiracies and plots ! Do come away, Cecil, do ! 

Cecil. There, you have moved and no catastrophe occurs. 
(Miss P. starts and returns to original position.) So sit down. 
Well, if you are so in love with that spot, move just an inch 
or two. I will put three or four of these charming cushions to- 
gether. You will be so comfortable! (Miss P. sits reluctantly.) 
Do be a darling and like explorations as much as excavations. 
If it is the Princess, think what news for Arthur! 

Miss P. If the gossip Fuyijama tells us correctly, the Princess 
is a dangerous young woman. 

Cecil (sitting). I shall sit real Japanese fashion. Fancy, an 
enlightened, highly educated English lady listening to such super- 
stitious tales ! 

Miss P. It is all very well, but once you land yourself in 
prison nothing can be done to save you. I believe you would 
quite enjoy steeping Europe in bloodshed. 



32 Princess Kiku 

Cecil (laughing) . Europe? Oh, G., when I think of the geog- 
raphy you made me learn ! There, I won't tease any more. I 
want to see this poor little Princess. She is not a bit real 
Japanesy, you know she isn't; and I will tell you a secret, and 
that is Arthur admires her very much. 

Miss P. (lifting hands in horror). Poor, innocent, misguided 
boy! 

Cecil. He is not going to ask a Japanese to marry him, but he 
gave me to understand he wished she had been English. 

Miss P. Beg him instantly to leave the country — tell him you 
are ill — the climate is affecting your reason, and we will start to- 
night ! 

Cecil. In a little open boat? There is no mail steamer. 
Think how ill you were. Would you brave even an open boat for 
that boy? You need not be afraid of any terrible contretemps. 
We Cavendishes have a little common-sense. Listen ! what merry 
laughter. (Jumps up, helps Miss P. to her feet.) 

ToTMAi (without). O Haru, did your eyes ever see the rick- 
shaw tumble over and the man go sprawling on his face? 

ENTER Japanese girls from veranda, bow profoundly. Cecil 
also bows. Miss P. nods stiMy. 

Three Girls (coming down r.). Welcome — honorable wel- 
come! 

Cecil (aside). Oh, G., I wish I had an elastic backbone! (Ad- 
vances.) The most exalted Princess, can I, ah — G., what is the 
right expression? Is it kiss her foot? No, it has something to 
do with eyes. I'll try this — can I salute her eyelids? 

YuKi (bowing). The most exalted princess would be hon- 
orably pleased to worship your eyebrow 

Cecil. There, why didn't I get it right? 

YuKi. She will not, O most distinguished, see any one. 

Cecil. I hope the — ah — the ah — shadow of the Princess has 
not grown less? 

All. Shadow? The m.ost venerated is not a ghost. 

Cecil (sighing). Wrong again! G., do help me. 

Miss P. (clearly and emphatically). Tell the Princess a very 
great lady wishes to see her. 

Haru (bozuing). She would wish to see one so very honorably 
old 

Miss P. Cecil, my dear 

ToTMAi (bowing). In our land we venerate the aged. 

YuKi (bozi'ing). Thy head, O Most Ancient, resembles the 
snows of Fuzi 



Princess Kiku 33 

Miss P. (looking from one to the other). Cecil! (Gasps.) 

Cecil (smiling). In our land the people have white hair when 
they are — quite — young. 

ToTMAi. Oh, they are funny in your land — jolly little things ! 
(Laughs.) 

Cecil. Now, I wonder who taught you that? 

Haru. O most worshipful, the great barbarian Englishman. 

Cecil. There, G., that's your beloved Arthur. Do you mean 
the very tall Englishman, my brother? 

ToTMAi. The Princess has spoken of you, O most excellent. 
You are the lady who came with the most worshipful foreigner 
to the Palace. O Yuki will run instantly and tell O Mimosa San 
that you are here with the most venerated Ancient One. 

Miss P. (turning away). They are very ignorant, poor little 
things ! 

Cecil (to Totmai). Would you tell me your name? 

ToTMAi (bowing). Totmai. 

Cecil. What do you find to do all day? 

ToTMAi. We dance, laugh, sing and care for honorable flow- 
ers, we read and work. 

Cecil. Quite like English girls! What do you read? 

Totmai (proudly). I have read the greater learning — the 
lesser learning — I know excellently the model letters — and there 
are many pleasure-giving stories about fairy princes and powerful 
soldiers. 

Cecil. I am afraid I am too old to care for fairy princes, but 
tell me 

ENTER Mimosa r., followed by Yukl Bows deeply. 

Mimosa. O great lady, the exalted Princess sleeps after much 
sorrow. We know not where her soul wanders. To call sud- 
denly is evil-bringing. 

Cecil. I will come again. Let me see (triumphantly), wor- 
ship her most exalted eyelash — no, I mean eyebrow 

Mimosa (sorrowfully) . The Princess, O most honorable and 
venerated, will see no one. She has wiped sad eyes with her 
kimono sleeve; and we are laughter-loving in Japan. 

Cecil (kindly). I hope — ah — happiness will return. We are 
leaving your beautiful country. (Moving c.) Mimosa — may I 
call you Mimosa? 

Mimosa (r. c, smiling). It is my humble name. Leaving 
beautiful Japan? 

Cecil. My brother, the barbarian, as you call him 

Mimosa (earnestly) . The most exalted stranger 



34 Pfincess Kiku 

Cecil. Came here to find a girl shipwrecked off the coast of 
Japan years ago (smiles at Miss P.), more than twenty years 
ago. The parents were drowned, but one of the sailors has always 
persisted that the baby was not drowned, but adopted by 
kind Japanese. All sorts of inquiries have been made. A great 
deal of money comes to her if she can be found, but my brother, 
who keeps it if no trace of her can be discovered, would not rest 
satisfied until he had visited Japan himself. 

Mimosa. Is it the treasure-flower of most worshipful English- 
man that has been sadly lost? 

Cecil. Treasure-flower? What a sweet name ! No, Mimosa. 
The great barbarian has no little barbarians ! 

Miss P. Barbarian, indeed ! One of the most enlightened and 
cultivated members of the powerful English aristocracy ! 

Mimosa (bowing). We reverence your words, O Most An- 
cient. Treat an honorable old woman as thy mother (bows) we 
learn in our cradles. May you, O most venerated, grow more 
and more like the pine and the lobster! 

Miss P. (indignantly). Cecil, I am insulted! A lobster, in- 
deed! Is my face heated? 

Cecil (quickly). No, no! Don't look vexed. It means some- 
thing immensely complimentary. See, they are bowing again. 

Mimosa. O most exalted, will you let honorable feet rest 
longer on unworthy floor while I see if most exalted Princess 
returns from the land of Sleep? Is it known to your powerful 
intelligence that the Princess fears a terrible curse? 

Cecil. We heard it. Mimosa. 

Mimosa. Would you, O most excellent, fear the touch of the 
Princess? 

Cecil. Fear? Not the least little scrap. 

YuKL And you, O most honorable Ancient? 

Miss P. (snappishly). If you are addressing me, young wo- 
man, it is all nonsense. I shall be thankful to find myself safely 
out of this, and not in prison ! 

Voice (calls). O Mimosa San! 

Girls. The Princess! 

ENTER Princess r. 

Cecil. I have a horrible feeling that I should bow to the earth 
— kiss her feet, or something. Poor child, how sad she looks! 
Now, for a very low bow. 

Princess (seeing her, starts; she removes r.) Away, most ex- 
alted stranger — away, lest evil come — I am accursed! Away, O 
most venerable! 



Princess Kik« 35 

Miss P. Are they all mad or blind? 

CeJcil. We are not afraid — Princess — your Highness. 
(Crosses stage.) 

Princess. You are brave to come, most honorable lady — come 
not nearer. I — am — accursed. (Hides face.) 

Cecil. Accursed? (Advances impetuously.) Don't look so 
sad, you poor little thing! (Miss P. expresses horror by many 
gesticulations.) I must talk plain English, not high-flown senti- 
ment. Princess or not, I take both your hands and look into 
your pretty eyes. 

Princess (shrinking). Nay, the curse will fall upon you — 
those I touch, even the flowers. 

Mimosa (bowing). See honorable blossoms, august lady, as 
fresh and sweet 

Princess (advancing slowly) . Is this venerated truth? 

Cecil. Oh, don't shrink like that. If you were in England I 
should give you a good hug — it is so comforting. 

Miss P. (crosses excitedly). You will certainly be in prison 
before night. The German Emperor does not call himself Son 
of Heaven and you talk to this 

Princess (sadly). Is this most exalted lady with excellent 
hair as white as Fuzi afraid? Afraid of the curse? 

Cecil (aside). Now, G., be nice! If you are not I will tell 
Arthur. 

Miss P. (advancing hurriedly) . No, my dear, I'm not afraid. 
Give me your hand. (Shakes heartily, then drops it hurriedly, 
glancing at Cecil.) 

Princess. The English ways are strange, yet I like them. 
Still, O kind ones, Kiku's heart is breaking! 

Mimosa (aside to Cecil). Deign to beg august one to return 
to the Palace. 

Cecil (to Princess). Dear lady, do not sorrow so. We are 
leaving Japan. (Princess raises head.) Could you not return 
to the Palace? You promised graciously to show me your chrys- 
anthemums, and my brother would be so grateful for your help 
— he is hunting for a lost heiress. Dear Princess, return. (Miss 
P. sighs.) 

Princess. My honorable chrysanthemums would wither. 

[YuKi lays flowers at feet of Princess, who looks down 
hesitatingly. 

Cecil. Dearest Princess, return. 

Princess. It is the cry of the chilld. the dear little honorable 
child: 'Oh, I am blind — blind!" It echoes in my heart, rings in 
my ears 1 A child ! O lady — a little treasure-flower ! 

Cecil. It couldn't be true, dear Princess. It couldn't possibly 



36 Princess Kiku 

be true. It might have been a touch of sunstroke, but not blind- 
ness from your touch. These dear little hands could not hurt a 
{\y. Be comforted, return. Something tells me you will be glad 
if you do. Dear lady, return ! 

Princess (clasping hands). I am — accursed. My touch 
brought evil to a child. O powerful gods, be merciful to Kiku ! 
Worshipful lady, though it tears my heart, I will show you my 
chrysanthemum garden, and help if I can the exalted foreigner. 
[The girls crowd round the Princess and Cecil, laugh- 
ing excitedly and joyously and clapping hands. 

CURTAIN. 



SCENE VI. — The Chrysanthemum Garden, as before. 
Mimosa up stage among flowers. 

Mimosa. O dear honorable ones, hold up exalted heads to 
comfort august lady with beauty ! She comes hither with the 
kind, worshipful English lady who tells strange story of little 
lost one. {Comes slowly dozvn c.) The sun shines to-morrow, 
and the gods will send Mimosa wisdom! {Turns to Howers.) O 
dear ones, beautiful and fresh, I would not the Princess saw one 
drooping head. 

ENTER Ito l., cautiously, without perceiving Mimosa. 

Tto. For many mornings I come here. The sentries smile at 
me, there is no one to see Ito's play-acting, and I, the best play- 
actor in many honorable dwellings, did not my own play-acting, 
but that of wise Sakara, therefore beautiful lady liked not. Would 
she could see me play-act doctor or the funeral. 

Mimosa {throws herself on her knees, half laughing, half cry- 
ing). O dear one, sent by the gods, thy eyes, honorable eyes? 

Ito {drawing back). I will not play-act that again, most wor- 
shipful ! 

Mimosa. Play-act f 

Ito. It was not my play-acting. I would august lady saw my 
own excellent games. It was Sakara taught this to me. None 
liked ; even the policemen said angry words ! 

Mimosa. Come to me, O dear little one. Be not afraid, it is 
joy; honorable desire to see excellent play-acting. 



Princess Kiku 37 

Ito. The beautiful lady ! I would she knew Ito is the most 
excellent play-actor. She did not like game of Sakara. 

Mimosa. Dear treasure-flower, beautiful lady will indeed love 
excellent play-acting. When the powerful sun travels higher in 
the sky, if little Ito returns to the garden he shall do excellent 
play-acting, the venerated Princess will like rarely. 

Ito. Ito wants neither money nor books, but smiles from the 
beautiful, exalted lady. 

Mimosa. O dear kind one, the Princess will give smiles. All 
will love honorable, kind little Ito. Make leave-taking, and re- 
turn, Ito, the comfort-bringing ! 

Ito. The lady will smile? 

Mimosa. Truly, O little Ito. 

Ito. Then I return. Shall I play-act the doctor or the funeral ? 

Mimosa. All the play-acting. Only return. (Ito bows. 
EXIT L.) O joy, joy! Shall I with haste fly to the Princess? 
Ah, she comes, with worshipful lady and venerated Ancient One ! 

ENTER Princess r. with Lady C. and Miss P., followed by three 

girls. 

Princess. This, O kind ones, is the Chrysanthenium Garden. 
See honorable blossoms, how fresh and sweet. They will be 
gathered for thee ; deign to accept. I will not myself pluck, lest 
evil come. 

Cecil (briskly). Dear Princess, you are very kind. May I 
tell you more about my brother's search for the little one? 

Mimosa {throws herself zvith a cry at feet of Princess). O 
dear lady, forgive, the gods have sent Mimosa wisdom. Deign 
to remember. (Princess starts.) Nay, O most beloved, it is 
not evil. Condescend to remember the words of the most worthy 
Yamen who sleeps with the gods. Did he not say the gods of the 
sea sent thee to cheer his house with honorable laughter? 

Princess (with surprise). I remember well, O Mimosa San. 
Sometimes when still a little one I heard in the dark the sound of 
angry waves and strange moanings. as of voices calling in the 
hours when sleep condescended not to rest on my eyelids. He 
told me to still childish fears. 

Cecil (aside to Miss P.). G., this is exciting. We are not 
only explorers, but discoverers, and that is more than your pro- 
fessor will ever be ! 

Miss P. (to Princess, speaking in loud voice). Are your 
father and mother dead? 

Princess. The noble Yamen and the exalted lady sleep with 
the gods. 



38 Princess Kiku 

Mimosa. Deign, O most august, to remember the little bag 
they gave — the bag worn round venerated neck. 

Princess. The bag, O Mimosa San? 

Mimosa. The little honorable silk bag — the gracious Princess 
has told Mimosa of it, and the bidding of the powerful Yamen 
to open it if trouble dwelt on thy threshold. And we, O most 
foolish, have forgotten it. 

Princess. The bag? I have worn it so long that, indeed, I 
had forgotten honorable words, O wise Mimosa. See, here it is. 

Cecil (excitedly). Open it. Princess. 

Miss P. If you are the young person to whom the money be- 
longs, Ar — his lordship — will lose £5000 a year. 

Cecil (laughing) . G., you forget. You have called a Princess 
a young person. What about the prison? 

Princess (hesitating). O Mimosa, I cannot! Fear has come 
to me — my fingers tremble. It may be I shall learn more evil ! 

YuKi Open it, most worshipful. It is only the putting-off 
man who sharpens his arrows when he sees the lion. This may 
be an arrow to pierce the heart of wicked Sakara ! 

Mimosa. Give it to me, beloved Princess. If it be evil- 
bringing, let the grief come to me and not to thee. 

Princess. Nay, I will not fear. It was here the little one, 
the treasure-flower, cried out the cry that has broken my heart, 
r have brought sorrow to a child — what else matters? See — I — 
open! (Draws out paper and reads.) "The Princess Kiku has 
been to the unworthy Yamen the light of life. The gods of the 
sea sent her to cheer a threshold brightened by no treasure-flow- 
ers — from a wreck the little one was saved. The deep secret is 
known only to the august Son of Heaven." 

Cecil. O you dear little thing! But I suppose £5000 a year 
is nothing to a Princess. 

Miss P. I am thankful it isn't one of those solemn Japanese 
babies. 

Mimosa. O beloved. (Bozvs.) Exalted! (Bows.) Au- 
gust. (Bows.) There is no curse. Sakara said the curse of 
the fathers of Japan. You. O most gracious, are a barbarian 
baby. 

All Japanese Girls. Comfort-bringing, there is no curse. 

Princess. If this is so, I do not mind being a barbarian baby. 

Miss P. I should think not, indeed. A most fortunate young 
woman. 

Princess. It is the cry of the child — that terrible cry! (Mi- 
mosa claps hands, runs l., returns with Ito. General astonish- 
ment.) The little one! Mimosa (excitedly) his eyes — his eyes! 

Ito (solemnly) . I grieve, most excellent, that play-acting gave 



Princess Kikw 39 

not happiness. It was play-acting of Sakara. Those who are 
too grave and wise cannot play-act. I will be 

Princess. O joy too great! O little treasure-flower, my 
touch harmed thee not? 

Ito. It was play-acting — but it was grief-bringing that play- 
acting brought no honorable hand-clapping. I 

Princess (caressing). Thou shalt be Princess Kiku's play- 
actor. Nay (turns to Cecil), I forgot, most worshipful, I am no 
Princess, only a very happy girl (holds Ito). Is the excellent 
Englishman now my brother? 

Cecil. No, your cousin. Do you have cousins in Japan? I 
will instantly send to him to come. 

YuKL Let us dance our joy ! 

ToTMAL Jolly little things! 

Haru. Oh, I say! 

Ito. When shall excellent play-acting be? 

Cecil. I hope you notice, G., the impression that the most en- 
lightened member of the powerful British aristocracy has pro- 
duced. However (Japanese girls dance forward), this is only the 
beginning. What will be the end of this Japanese Romance? 

[Kneels by Princess, taking her hand. 



CURTAIN. 



JUL »5 1903 

A BUNCH OF ROSES 

A Burlesque Musical Entertainment, By W. D. Felter 

price, 15 cents 
Cast of Characters 

Mrs. Phcebh Ann Rose from Kalamasoo 

Prudence Lobelia "X 
Polly Clorinda I 

PkISCILLA I ..t I, r y r> 

Pamelia f the Bunch of Rose* 

Patience I 

Penelopk } 
Lilly "^ 

VIOLET f the Ron-buds 

Daisy ) 

Sally Sparks -who only '■'■ thinks so.''* 

Matilda Jane , , . the Hired Girl 

Melvin Melrosb •••... the Only Young Man on the 'Spot 

A burlesque musical entertainment in i act, by W. D. Felter (author of " The Sweet 
Family," etc.), i male, 13 female characters. Time of performance about 1% hours. 
This is a miscellaneous programme rendered for the benefit of " The Free Ice Fund 
for the Philippine Islanders." It includes various "specialties," living pictures, 
Mother-Goose chorus, etc., and concludes with a burlesque operetta entitled "John- 
ny Jones." The Roses, the Rosebuds and the Only Young Man on the Spot make up 
an entertainment that cannot fail to excite continuous mirth for the better part of an 
evening. The author has produced this burlesque at church entertainments in many 
parts of the country, with unvarying success. 

GERTRUDE MASON, M.D. 

Or, THE LADY DOCTOR 

A Farce in One Act, for Female Characters, By 
L. M, C, Armstrong 

PRICE. 15 CENTS 

Cast of Characters 

Gertrude Mason, M.D a young Physician 

Bertha Lawrence ) , _ . , 

Ella Gray f her Friends 

Miss Jane Simpkins a Spinster 0/ Uncertain A ge 

Mrs. VAN Style one 0/ the '■^ 400''' 

NoRAH Dr. Mason's Cook 

Marie , a Lady's Maid 

TiiME.— The Present. Place.— New York. 
TiWE OF Representation. — Thirty Minutes. 

An exceedingly bright piece for 5'oung ladles, in which young Dr. Gertrude, 
already a victim of circumstances, is made the victim of a practical joke. The scenes 
with Mrs. Van Style., who mistakes the doctor for a pawnbroker, and Miss Jane 
Simpkins^ who brings a sick dog to be cured, are hilarious, while Nora,, an Irish cook, 
is deliciously droll. The cook is the star of the piece, but all the personages are 
vivacious and every situation bristles with fun. 

Dick & Fitzgerald, Publishers, i 8 Ann Street, New York 



I COME.DIES AND DRAMAS | 

t 15 CENTS EACH jg 

;{; MY AWFUL DAD. Comedy that iilways makes a brilliant hit; 3 acts; ^K 

% ^'^^"'■^ ^ ^ $|J 

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A dialogue and telling situations ; 2 acts : 2 hours ^ ^ M/ 

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^♦^ historical drama ; 3 acts ; 2 hours 10 2 w 

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(If^ laughter ; 3 acts ; 2 hours 6 6 yf/ 

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^ft star ; 3 acts ; 2 hours 5 4 ^'^ 

>|c SINGLE LIFE. Comedy; the characters are all comic and all "Stars"; ^ 

VK 3 acts ; 2 hours 5 5 ^|^ 

/J\ SNOWBALL, THE. Farcical comedy ; the popularity of this comedy is un- ^) 

/|\ excelled; 3 acts ; 2 hours 4 3 vlj' 

Ci^ SOLON SHINGLE. Yankee comedy ; 2 acts ; iK hours 7 2 \l? 

% STRIFE. (Master and Men.) Great labor drama ; a play for the masses ; ^|^ 

Jy 4 acts ; 2^4^ hours 9 4 ^) 

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/^\ and pathos ; i act ; 50 minutes 3 3 ^ 

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Jk favorite that will draw hundreds where other plays draw dozens ; 5 acts; ^-^ 

i|c 2 hours 7 4 M 

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•h^ to be a success ; 3 acts ; 2 hours 5 4 ^ 

'lis TIMOTHY DELANO'S COURTSHIP. Yankee comedy full of laughable >idi 

Ifjii incidents; 2 acts ; i hour 2 3 yfy 

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^^ dialogue ; 3 acts ; 2^ hours 8 5 w 

^♦^ TRIPLE WEDDING. Short excellent drama of home life by the author of w 

^i^ ''The County Fair " ; 3 acts ; i^ hours 4 4 w 

i{) UNCLE JACK. Drama ; comic, with a good moral ; i act ; i^hours ^ ^ ^ 

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/1\ it can be played in ciny hall ; 5 acts ; 2^^ hours 7 5 i^ 

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/JV situations and by-play : i act ; ^ hour ... i 5 Vl/ 

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/J\ plot and effective characters : 4 acts ; 2i^ hours 6 4 \f/ 

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/Jx and is frequently played under the title of "In Old Virginia"; 4 acts; V,!/ 

/<\ 2i< hours '. 7 '^ VJ/' 

/(S — \f/ 

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and strong situations of serious interest ; 4 acts ; 2% hours 



5 3 



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7 4 



5 3 > 



4 3 ii? 

^ 

f^ DICK & FITZGERALD, Publishers, 18 Ann St., N. Y. f 



